Experts advise drivers to stock kits before winter storms

Winter weather is approaching, and drivers are being told to prepare their vehicles immediately. Chief Meteorologist Lisa Green says the time to build a survival kit is now. The goal is to have the right gear ready before the first cold front hits the region.

Guidance from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety advises travelers to keep their gas tanks at least half full. Drivers should listen to forecasts and storm warnings. It is also recommended to dress for the cold and carry extra scarves and mittens. Extra time should be allowed for trips during severe weather conditions.

Before leaving, tell someone your route and report when you arrive safely. If you get stuck, tie a colored banner to your antenna or hang it from a window. At night, remove the cover from the dome light and turn it on. Road crews can see the small glow from a distance. Use emergency flashers only when you hear other vehicles to save battery. Keep one person awake at all times.

If stranded, stay inside the vehicle. Walking in a storm can be dangerous because it is easy to lose your way or become exhausted. The car serves as a shelter. Avoid heavy exertion like shoveling snow or pushing the car. This physical effort can raise the risk of heart attacks or injury. Do not work until you are sweaty. Wet clothing loses its insulation value, which makes it easier to develop hypothermia.

Keep fresh air moving by cracking windows. It is safer to be cold and awake than warm and sleepy. Snow can block the exhaust system and allow carbon monoxide gas to enter the car. Only run the engine if you are sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow. Keep snow off the radiator to stop the engine from overheating.

To stay warm without using fuel, loosen tight clothing and change positions often. Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating. Huddle close to others. Rub hands together or place them in armpits or between legs. Take off shoes occasionally and rub feet to restore circulation.

A survival kit should be stored in a three-pound coffee can with a plastic cover. Keep it in the passenger compartment in case the trunk freezes shut. Items include candles, matches, a small knife, plastic spoons, a red bandanna, paper, a pencil, a garbage bag, safety pins, a whistle, and snacks. Include a cell phone adapter and a plastic flashlight with spare batteries. Store batteries in reverse to prevent accidental use. Warm batteries before use.

Pack small food items that can be eaten cold, such as raisins, chocolate pieces, candy bars, gum, hard candies, and food bars. Canned soup and meat are also suggested. Store bulky items like a 30-foot cord, booster cables, basic tools, sand, a shovel, tow cables, sleeping bags, and flares in an accessible spot. If stranded with a cell phone, call 911. Provide your location, condition, and problem. Follow instructions and do not hang up until you know what happens next. If you must leave the vehicle, write your name, address, phone number, and destination on paper and place it in the front windshield.